Nursing Elites

1. A client is being taught how to use crutches by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Place weight on the underarms.
• B. Keep the elbows extended when walking.
• C. Support your weight on your hands.
• D. Hold the crutches 10 cm in front of you when standing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Support your weight on your hands.' When using crutches, it is important to support your weight on your hands rather than underarms to prevent injury to the axillary nerves and blood vessels. Placing weight on the underarms can lead to nerve damage and circulatory issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Keeping the elbows extended when walking is important for stability, holding the crutches slightly in front of you allows for proper balance, and supporting weight on the hands maintains the correct weight-bearing position.

2. A nurse is teaching a group of clients about the risk factors for osteoporosis. Which of the following should the nurse include as a risk factor for osteoporosis?

• A. Early menopause
• B. History of falls
• C. African American race
• D. Obesity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Early menopause. A client who goes into early menopause, from natural or surgical causes, is at greater risk for developing osteoporosis due to the rapid drop in estrogen levels. Choice B, history of falls, is not a direct risk factor for osteoporosis but can lead to fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. Choice C, African American race, is actually associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis compared to Caucasian or Asian descent. Choice D, obesity, is generally considered a protective factor against osteoporosis due to the increased mechanical loading on bones.

3. A client has been prescribed phenytoin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor to prevent toxicity?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Complete blood count
• C. Serum phenytoin levels
• D. Liver function tests

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Serum phenytoin levels should be regularly monitored to prevent toxicity because the therapeutic range is narrow. Monitoring blood pressure (choice A), complete blood count (choice B), and liver function tests (choice D) are not directly related to preventing phenytoin toxicity.

4. A provider has written a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for a client who is comatose and does not have advance directives. A member of the client’s family says, 'I wonder when the doctor will tell us what’s going on.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Request that the provider provide more information to the family.
• B. Refer the family to a support group for grief counseling.
• C. Offer to answer questions that family members have.
• D. Ask the family what the provider has discussed with them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to ask the family what the provider has discussed with them. This allows the nurse to clarify any misunderstandings and ensures that the family is fully informed before providing further information. Option A is not the best choice because it assumes the need for more information without first understanding what has already been communicated. Option B is premature as the family may not be ready for grief counseling at this stage. Option C, although a good general practice, is not the most appropriate immediate action in this situation where clarifying existing information is crucial.

5. A nurse is educating a patient about their new prescription for a statin medication. What should the nurse advise the patient to avoid while taking this medication?

• A. Drinking grapefruit juice
• B. Consuming high-protein meals
• C. Exercising regularly
• D. Taking the medication in the morning

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of statin toxicity by interfering with the enzyme that metabolizes statin medications, leading to higher drug levels in the body. This interaction can potentially cause adverse effects. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking statins. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Consuming high-protein meals, exercising regularly, and taking the medication in the morning are not contraindicated while on statin therapy. In fact, following a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and taking the medication at a consistent time each day can be beneficial for patients prescribed statins.

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